The Moore County Board of Education began its Aug. 12 meeting with an extended tribute to former board member Bruce Cunningham, whose death the board and community had marked in recent weeks. The board observed a moment of silence, heard several remembrances from students and former colleagues, and presented a plaque to Cunningham’s family.

A student who said she knew Cunningham through speech and debate described his volunteer support. “He was our team dad,” Lorele Nagy said, recounting that Cunningham “devoted half, sometimes all of his weekends to our team” and that he often documented and celebrated the group’s activities with photographs and trips.

Bob Christina, identified as the former principal of Pinecrest High School, gave an extended account of a day Cunningham spent touring Southern Pines and other parts of Moore County to orient Christina after his appointment as principal in 2015. “I learned everything about north Northern Moore County area,” Christina said, describing Cunningham as deliberate, knowledgeable about local history and intent on ensuring the success of school leaders.

Board members and community speakers recalled Cunningham’s long service to the county and to the schools — including involvement in Springfest, the Sunrise Theater renovation, playground projects and campaigns supporting school bonds. Dr. Grimsey, speaking for the board, described Cunningham as “an ultimate bridge builder” who sought compromise and community service.

The board presented Anne Cunningham and family members with a plaque “in memory of Bruce Cunningham Junior” recognizing service to the Moore County Board of Education (2004–2019) and listing chair and vice-chair terms. The plaque included the phrase the board used to describe him: “1 person in a large number of volunteers.”

No board action was taken related to the tribute; the memorial remarks occupied the opening portion of the business meeting.